The Winnipeg Blue Bombers have signed one of their third round picks in the 2012 Draft, Johnny Aprile, along with import receiver Doug Pierce, the team announced today.
Aprile (6-2, 208, Queen’s, DOB: June 12, 1989 in Toronto, Ontario) was selected with the 16th overall pick earlier this month after registering 594 receiving yards and four touchdowns on 31 receptions last season, averaging 84.9 yards per game – good enough for seventh in the CIS. He also developed into a premier kick returner, averaging a nation-best 36.5 yards per return with two touchdowns, also a CIS best. The Blue Bombers will look to convert him to defensive back.
Pierce (6-5, 190, Friends, DOB: June 14, 1987 in Arp, Texas) recorded 91 receptions for 1,693 yards and 20 touchdowns in two seasons at Friends University after transferring from West Texas. As a senior, Pierce led the team in receiving with 904 yards which was also good for 15th best in the NAIA. Pierce signed with the Wichita Wild of the Indoor Football League earlier this season and recorded 38 receptions for 505 yards and 13 touchdowns. He also spent time with the San Jose Sabercats of the Arena Football League before signing with Wichita.
